Bella's Bartok

The Uncommon Gestures

Bella's Bartok

All little children grow up, one day - all except the bedazzled and glittered boys of Bella’s Bartok. Inspired by elements of Vaudeville, centuries of street performance, and an unyielding drive to promote camaraderie, Northampton, MA-based Bella’s Bartok delivers a passionate kaleidoscope of sound. The songs are born of Americana and folk music of their immigrant grandparents, blended with the joy of a particular brand of pop sensibility. Their performances are at once a primal stand against oppression and a declaration of joy in the face of adversity. From quiet reflections on loss, to the howl of justice in four-part harmony, Bella’s Bartok sonically and lyrically delivers a sweaty, soulful dance-party that is sure to leave the audience happily breathless.

Bella's Bartok started in the dimly lit alleyways of Great Barrington, MA, Bella’s Bartok gradually evolved from street-punk performers to an electric, brass-filled, accordion-based spectacle that has continued to entertain audiences for nearly a decade. The line-up includes: Asher Putnam (Vocals, Bass, all-around entertainer), Dan Niederhauser (Guitar and Vocals), Amory Drennan (Trombone/Banjo and Vocals), Crisco (Drums/Percussion and Trumpet), Gershon Rosen (Trumpet), and Alex Kogut (Accordion, Keyboard). The band has shared the stage with musicians and acts such as Rubblebucket, Red Baraat, The Indigo Girls, Larry & His Flask, The Suitcase Junket, Parsonsfield, And the Kids, Kanye, Rough Francis, Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, West End Blend, Adam Ezra Group, Meat Puppets, World Inferno/Friendship Society, Rupa & the April Fishes, Arc Iris, and many more. Find Bella’s Bartok on a variety of stages, at a myriad of festivals, or on the street across the continental United States. Audiences often pick up on the band’s main influences such as Frank Zappa, System of a Down, Tom Waits, and Oingo Boingo.

If you’ve never listened to Bella's Bartok, stop what you’re doing right now. Run to the nearest computer and listen to their uproarious, joyful, eclectic sound. The band plays a mesmerizing mix of Eastern European, Americana, punk, and pop music. Their live shows are theatrical, “a mix of The Nightmare Before Christmas and the Rocky Horror Picture Show” says front man Asher Putnam. “We are the night and you are bound to boogie.” So, do yourself a favor, practice a little self care, throw your societal inhibitions to the wayside and let yourself get lost to the tune of Bella’s Bartok - before the tumult of daily life rears its ugly head once more.
Floors may be broken, but hearts will be mended.

“A carnival of sound and sweat and something intangible... Bella's Bartok aren't just a band, they're an enchantment." - Julia Tolstrup, Black on the Canvas

“A folk collective with perfect pop sensibilities combined with a Klezmer influence, this is basically about as much fun as you can have with your pants on.”- Dan Wolovick, Two Way Monologues

“[A] manic, Old World-tinged on slaught of sound that’s not like much of anything else.” - James Heflin, The Valley Advocate (Apr 02, 2014)

“Perfect for Tim Burton’s next ghoulish movie. With some yo-ho-ho and shout-along songs, the seven-piece band will wake up any jaded dozers.”> - Daily Hampshire Gazette

“Bella’s Bartok is a strange mix of a band, and with their absurdity lies their charm. Varied percussion, bright pianos, scratchy guitars, scattered horn sections, and group harmonies give their dancey tunes a distinct bohemian vibe, and their raw sound gives them something of a punk edge. Bella’s Bartok topped our New England open submission.”- The Deli Magazine

The Uncommon Gestures

Rustic Americana, lush harmonies and a defiant attitude give The Uncommon Gestures an energetic, foot-stomping drive while maintaining an acoustic root that touches the soul. Members of the band Mister Roper (Red Parlor Records), Squindo and Shober have been performing together since 2014. Lydia Pidlusky began sitting in on backup harmonies with their side project, Squindo/Shober, in 2016 and currently co-writes with Squindo.

After his self-released debut, Roadsick, was voted one of the top ten albums of 2003 by the Asbury Park Press, Eric Squindo began performing consistently throughout the Northeast and beyond. His deep passion for songwriting, ardent vocals, and a distinct rhythm style have gained him rave reviews and steady performances over the past fifteen years. A founding member of Mister Roper, Squindo can be heard on their self-titled debut, and on his latest solo EP, The Brewery Sessions.

Classically trained at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Andrew Shober moved to Woodstock in 2000 to assist at Levon Helm Studios. He helped bring the Midnight Rambles to fruition as a musician and stage technician where he worked alongside many of his biggest influences. The acts Andrew has been a part of include The Apple Pickers Union, Mister Roper, Love Eat Sleep (Burnell Pines), Acorn, and Kyle Esposito & the High Resolution.

With a degree in jazz vocal performance from SUNY New Paltz, Lydia Pidlusky has performed with some of the area's finest jazz musicians, including opening the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival in 2017. The voice of 'The 'Maiden' in the internationally beloved Stronghold video game soundtracks, Lydia also acts and directs with Theatre On The Road/Murder Cafe, and can be heard on 98.1 WKZE as host of the Midday Show.Rustic Americana, lush harmonies and a defiant attitude give The Uncommon Gestures an energetic, foot-stomping drive while maintaining an acoustic root that touches the soul. Members of the band Mister Roper (Red Parlor Records), Squindo and Shober have been performing together since 2014. Lydia Pidlusky began sitting in on backup harmonies with their side project, Squindo/Shober, in 2016 and currently co-writes with Squindo.

After his self-released debut, Roadsick, was voted one of the top ten albums of 2003 by the Asbury Park Press, Eric Squindo began performing consistently throughout the Northeast and beyond. His deep passion for songwriting, ardent vocals, and a distinct rhythm style have gained him rave reviews and steady performances over the past fifteen years. A founding member of Mister Roper, Squindo can be heard on their self-titled debut, and on his latest solo EP, The Brewery Sessions.

Classically trained at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Andrew Shober moved to Woodstock in 2000 to assist at Levon Helm Studios. He helped bring the Midnight Rambles to fruition as a musician and stage technician where he worked alongside many of his biggest influences. The acts Andrew has been a part of include The Apple Pickers Union, Mister Roper, Love Eat Sleep (Burnell Pines), Acorn, and Kyle Esposito & the High Resolution.

With a degree in jazz vocal performance from SUNY New Paltz, Lydia Pidlusky has performed with some of the area's finest jazz musicians, including opening the Hudson Valley Jazz Festival in 2017. The voice of 'The 'Maiden' in the internationally beloved Stronghold video game soundtracks, Lydia also acts and directs with Theatre On The Road/Murder Cafe, and can be heard on 98.1 WKZE as host of the Midday Show.